Monthly Archives: September 2012

Yesterday the Grade 9 Geography students participated in the ‘Niagara Region Field Day’.

Highlights of our trip included: soaring 175 feet above Niagara Falls aboard the Niagara Skywheel; descending 200 feet to get a close-up view of the Whirlpool Rapids; a visit to the St. Catharines Museum to view a lake freighter descending through Lock 3 and to learn more about the history of the Welland Canal; and a tour of the Niagara College Teaching Winery.

Please click here to view more photos of our day together. This was a great learning experience for our Grade 9 students and really complimented our classroom lessons.

This morning some furry friends joined the Lower School students in chapel to celebrate St. Francis of Assis Day – the patron saint of animals and the environment. Students were allowed to bring a pet to chapel to be blessed by Father Jason as part of the special day.

The lesson of the chapel service was focused on how animals embody the IB learner profile by having such traits as being risk-takers, balanced, open-minded, and caring etc.

Yesterday in chapel, Andrew P. delivered the first prefect speech for the year. It has become tradition that every prefect makes a speech in chapel. The speeches take place throughout the year and focus on lessons they have learned while at Ridley or advice they would like to pass on to their fellow students. In his hilarious speech, Andrew talked about how his relationship with his roommate evolved from his first impression of him:

Flying through the air with the greatest of ease, Grade 9 and 10 Ridley College drama students tried the trapeze at the Zacada Circus School. The trapeze wasn’t the only circus act that the students had a chance to try! They also had the opportunity to use balance to try to make it across the tightrope, twisted and twirled using silks, swung in the aerial swing, and tumbled on the trampoline! The students were working on Physical Literacy and 360 degree awareness as part of the drama curriculum. Check out the video from circus school:

I am sure you are still cleaning off the orange and black paint from Friday night’s Snake Dance! Be proud! You were a part of a Ridley tradition that dates back to the 1940’s. For those of you who do not know what Snake Dance is, it’s basically a HUGE pep rally where everyone wears as much orange and black as humanely possible and meets in front of a giant bonfire to sing school cheers and to show as much school spirit as they can!

Friday was a great night full of Ridley pride and school spirit! Whether it was your first Snake Dance or your last I hope everyone had a great time! Check out some video from Friday:

Ridley College was founded in 1889 and has continued to grow and evolve every year. The campus itself is both beautiful and interesting. As a way for new students to get to know the campus and to help them appreciate Ridley and what they have become part of, the faculty hosts a ‘History of Ridley – Walking Tour.’ There are 10 stations in total including:

1. The Cannon

The Cannon - located near the front circle - Mr. Templeman, history teacher and archivist explains history of cannon to students

2. The Cricket Shed

The Cricket Shed - Mr. Rose OR '96 Director of Advancement explains history of the oldest standing building on campus

Early Thursday morning the buses departed Ridley College and made their way up North to camp! The Upper School boys headed to Camp Onondaga in Minden and the Upper School Girls and Grade 7 & 8’s travelled to Camp White Pine in Haliburton.

There were many outdoor activities and adventures, including zip lining, sailing, canoeing, climbing, and high ropes courses.

In the evening, campfires, s’mores and dance routines were shared and friendships formed.